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U.S. Special Operations Command Hosts First Ever International Commander’s Forum to Build Generational Relationships During Special Operations Forces Week 2025

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off Special Operations Forces Week 2025 with an International Commander’s Forum. The forum was attended by 311 participants from 61 countries with 78 Special Operations Forces units represented.

The Forum was incorporated this year directly based on recommendations after the 2024 SOF Week. USSOCOM’s international division recognized that the most valuable part of the week was the interaction between command teams. Maintaining strong networks, and developing generational relationships is strength of special operations.

Building generational relationships takes commitment. While SOF Week is fast paced, with the displays, panels, keynote speakers, so it was a deliberate effort to start the week with this Forum to set the tone. Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander U.S. Special Operations Command often says, “relationships are our competitive advantage.”

USSOCOM has always recognized the significant role that international partnerships play in accomplishing the mission of special operations forces around the globe. To grow and develop generational partnerships, the Command hosted more than 60 countries from around the world.

The conference was attended by King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and current and retired senior military leaders.

“In today’s contested world SOF does not go alone. They go first, but they also go with partners. SOF’s ability to work by, with and through international partners pays huge dividends on our border, in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” said Hegseth. “Partners, as I see so many of our partners right here in the front, are central to how SOF works. They must believe that America is strong, that peace through strength is real, then they want to come into our orbit and be force multipliers. I’m talking about generational relationships that we have built with partner forces around the globe.”

“The fusion of what we have in this room — interagency, industry, academia, practitioners, and policymakers — is tied together and galvanized towards irregular and asymmetric options,” said Fenton. “We’re the scalpel, but when the time comes, we can bring the hammer too.”

A special operations officer from Japan reflected on his relationship with U.S. SOF.

“My relationship with U.S. SOF has been built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences in the field. We’ve trained, planned, and operated together—not as separate forces, but as one team with a common mission. That connection has only deepened over time. Generational partnerships ensure that knowledge, values, and strategic alignment are passed down and sustained. I was surprised and deeply moved when I discovered that my jump buddy from 1st SFG ten years ago was now serving as J3-I Director, USSOCOM as my counterpart. In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, it’s not just about the mission at hand—it’s about building a legacy of trust and collaboration that empowers future operators and leaders,” he said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the SOCOM community. Your commitment, humility, and professionalism have inspired me throughout my journey. To my partners—let’s continue building something greater than ourselves. The mission continues, and so does our unbreakable bond.”

A Jordanian special operations officer emphasized the strategic value of long-lasting relationships between allies.

“Our relationship is strategic, productive, and collaborative. This is an historical, long-lasting relationship that we will always maintain. Relationships continue to grow in unprecedented ways with an increase in joint combat operations and UAS development for both Special Operations organizations. Generational partnerships are also extremely important. We continue to build on our partnerships to reach a level of trust that leads us to greater interoperability, seamless integration, and eventual interdependence to fight together as force multipliers,” he said.

SOF employs a partnership model around the world to build partner nation security force capacity and capability. The intangible power of generational partnerships comes from thoughtful, deliberate, and persistent interactions that lead to partnerships, and this intentional effort is irreplaceable for advancing and protecting U.S. national security interests.

Story by Michael Bottoms

U.S. Special Operations Command

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF, SOF Week | No Comments »

Medal of Honor Recipients Offer Insights at SOF Week

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. — Of the 3,536 Medals of Honor presented since its establishment in 1861, only 61 recipients are alive today, and only a handful of them come from the U.S. special operations forces community.

Yesterday, three of those SOF recipients attended a panel discussion at Special Operations Forces Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne, retired Army Master Sgt. Earl D. Plumlee and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams shared experiences and lessons learned from their heroic actions during an hourlong conversation that emphasized the importance of trust, mentorship and resilience in leadership.

All three men explained what being a Medal of Honor recipient means to them on a personal level.

“Every time we put the medal on, it’s a gracious gift to sit here and talk about it,” said Williams, who received the medal for his actions of valor during Operation Commando Wrath in Afghanistan in 2008.

He added that a surprising number of people are unaware of the medal’s significance.

“And that significance has nothing to do with the guy wearing it, or the action that they took; but it’s the idea that you’re willing to put yourself and your life on the line for the guys [to the] left and [to the] right of you,” he said.

Plumlee, who received his medal for saving numerous lives by mounting a successful counterattack under heavy fire against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in 2013, explained that he shared his ceremony with two other recipients, both of whom received the medal posthumously.

“That really brought some gravity,” he said.

He also explained that, with credible eyewitness testimony being a requirement for receiving the medal, many SOF personnel may be just as deserving of such an award but will never receive the recognition.

“I know a lot of guys who have done very heroic things, but it’s not captured and provable, [so] there’s no medal for it,” Plumlee said.

“It’s humbling, and I like to say that I’m wearing [the medal] for [the U.S. Special Operations Command] and vast amounts of operators who have done very heroic things for very little recognition, and [who] just went back to work the next day,” he added.

“Just letting the medal be a part of my life [has] required me to grow up,” said Payne, who received his MOH for saving 70 hostages with little regard for his own life during a 2015 rescue operation in Iraq.

“It’s just a process to live up to the standard of wearing the Medal of Honor, which is hard — every single day — and so, it’s a ‘beautiful burden,'” Payne added, quoting his friend and fellow recipient, retired Marine Cpl. Kyle Carpenter.

The three men also spoke about their shared passion for continued service following their time in uniform.

Plumlee said he gets the most out of inspiring others to serve their country.

“I love talking to people [who] were not thinking about serving — or if they’re dabbling in it — and really, you know, mentoring [them] and lighting that fire,” Plumlee said, adding that the country is always in need of men and women to sign up for military service and “take ownership of the country.”

“Every politician’s speech and every successful business is built on the bedrock of the security that the [Defense Department] provides,” he said.

Williams also said he enjoys encouraging others to serve, if not in the military, then in some other manner that benefits the country.

“One thing that really shocked me when I received the medal … was how much I enjoyed talking to other people about it and just perpetuating the values that we stand for … especially service, and how important service actually is,” Williams said.

“I like just talking about that — engaging specifically with kids and students — and going to schools and hoping to provide a little bit of a glimmer of hope for our country,” he added.

Payne said SOF operators like himself and the others on stage have lots of friends buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, and that he and his fellow SOF veterans are fortunate to be alive.

“I’ve just tried to live an extraordinary life in honor of my teammates … We’re on ‘plus time’ now,” he said, adding that, despite having been medically retired from the Army, he continues to find ways to serve his country.

“There’s a passion to serve still [and] I’m going to continue to serve in different ways,” Payne said.

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History, Profession of Arms, SOF Week | No Comments »

SOF Week 25 – Transcend Robotics

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Transcend Robotics exhibited their Vantage Mil and Vantage Mini systems in the ADS Inc booth.

The Mini is a great throw-bot option, offering 8-inch automatic obstacle climbing, 2-hour runtime with swappable batteries, and up to 250ft communications NLOS.

Vantage MIL, an under 40 pound multi-mission ISR UGV is deployable in under one minute. Based on patented mobility technology, no operator intervention is required to overcome cluttered areas, barriers up to 16 inches, and international stairs.

These systems are IP-based allowing you to use Silvus, Persistent Systems, or other approved radios as required, that can also serve as comms relays (currently comes standard with Silvus). The robots come with tracks as well as wheels, allowing you to select which drive setup best suits your mission, and you can easily swap between them in the field. You can integrate with ATAK directly, or by utilizing Tomahawk’s Kinesis Ecosystem and S20 Grip controller.

Posted in Robotics, SOF Week | No Comments »

SOF Week 25 – Crossfire Packs

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Australia’s Crossfire Packs has gained quite a following in the US. Recently, they introduced a couple of new PALS compatible pouches for use with their DZ rig, a classic belt kit.

The Juice Box is intended to be attached to the yoke as a hydration carrier (2L reservoir). It will also work with their packs, or the kit you already own. It includes matching removable Ciabatta slice which will accept a broken down MRE.

The Butter Bar is a commander’s pouch with three removable dividers so you can keep everything organized from notebooks to headlamps to magazines.

These are currently available in MultiCam, Ranger Green, and Woodland. My DZ Rig is Tigerstripe so maybe I can talk them into making one of each for me and my friend @Prepared_Pathfinder.

Gear ships from their warehouse in Charlotte, NC.

Posted in International, Load Carrying, SOF Week | 3 Comments »

SOF Select 25 – Strategic Sciences

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

This photo, taken in the Strategic Sciences booth, combines two things that readers find fascinating: the Knight’s Armament Co Light Assault Machine Gun in 5.56mm and Strategic Science’s Multi Function Muzzle Device, a new suppressor technology developed in conjunction with the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate.

The Canadian arm of the company, Millbrook Strategic Sciences Inc, has signed a deal with CANSOFCOM for the devices and here in the US they’ve been trying them out on every NATO weapon (including those under development) they can get their hands on. Available in multiple calibers from 5.56 up to 50 BMG, expect to see a lot of these floating around soon.

Posted in SOF Week, Suppressors | 6 Comments »

SOF Week 25 – GoTAK Trackers

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

GoTAK exhibited their GoTAK Trackers. Offered in three variants, these low-cost tracking devices are designed to operate globally and integrate directly with Tactical Awareness Kit servers. They feature low power requirements and a compact form factor.

Personnel Tracker

Track your personnel with a key-fob sized device with a 24 hour battery life with 3 second interval updates. Charge easily with the included USB C dock.

Vehicle Tracker

Track your vehicles with the GoTAK Tracker ODB2 that powers and connects to vehicles over the diagnostic port (ODB2). Simply plug it in and the vehicle charges the internal battery for constant operation even with the vehicle is stationary or parked.

Asset Tracker

Track your assets or personnel with the GoTAK Tracker V1 or the XL with the optional magnetic base that fits in the palm of your hand with up to 7 years on a single charge with daily interval updates. Charge easily with the included USB C dock.

getgotak.com

Posted in SOF Week, TAK | No Comments »

SFC Energy AG and Polaris Government and Defense Collaborate to Equip NATO and NATO-aligned Defense Organisations with Advanced Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicle

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Brunnthal/Munich, Germany, 13 May 2025 – SFC Energy AG (“SFC”, F3C:DE, ISIN: DE0007568578), a leading provider of fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions, has announced a key collaboration with Polaris Government and Defense (“Polaris”) at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in Tampa, Florida, USA. Polaris showcased a high-mobility tactical vehicle with the EMILY 3000 as an optional integrated power supply. This capability is specifically being offered to NATO and NATO-aligned defense organisations.

Installing SFC Energy’s EMILY 3000 in the Polaris’ MRZR vehicle platform provides a highly reliable power solution available for mission-critical applications. The methanol fuel cell-based system can power radios, surveillance systems, drone equipment, sensors, and other electronic devices – all without the need to run the vehicle’s engine. This enables extended operations while preserving camouflage and reducing both thermal and acoustic signatures.

The EMILY 3000 delivers a dependable and autonomous power supply for a variety of electronic and communication systems. Weighing only 12 kilograms (approximately 26.5 pounds), it increases power output on lightweight tactical vehicles without compromising mobility. Its high energy density enables for extended runtimes and minimises the need for refuelling during prolonged operations. One of its key advantages is its virtually silent performance, producing minimal acoustic and thermal signatures – making it exceptionally well-suited for covert operations.

The system supports the simultaneous charging and use of various battery types, including lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and conventional lead-acid batteries. In contrast to traditional setups, it eliminates the need to run the vehicle engine or rely on noisy generators. This reduces fuel consumption, acoustic exposure, and the risk of early detection. Fully automatic in operation, the EMILY 3000 contributes to longer battery life and reduced vehicle wear by cutting down on engine use and maintenance.

Its flexibility also enables the system to function either as an onboard charger or as a portable, field-based power supply. Additionally, the EMILY 3000 and its fuel cartridges are military-certified, carry a NATO supply number, and are approved for air transport in accordance with UN3473 regulations – making them fully deployable in international operations.

By integrating the EMILY 3000, Polaris light tactical vehicles gain enhanced operational endurance and power autonomy – especially critical in scenarios where silence, reliability, and energy independence are key tactical requirements.

Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG: “By offering the EMILY 3000 as an accessory option in Polaris vehicles, we are delivering a mission-ready, low-signature power solution tailored to the needs of modern armed forces. The Polaris MRZR is widely deployed by the United States and other NATO and allied forces worldwide for its exceptional off-road mobility and versatility. By including our innovative and field-proven fuel cell technology on this trusted platform, military forces can significantly enhance their operational range, energy autonomy, and tactical utility in real-world missions.”

Further information on SFC Energy’s Clean Energy and Clean Power Management solutions can be found at www.sfc.com.

Posted in International, Power, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on SFC Energy AG and Polaris Government and Defense Collaborate to Equip NATO and NATO-aligned Defense Organisations with Advanced Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicle

SOF Week 25 – Edgevolt Battery System from 3ME Technology

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

3ME Technology is an Australian company which has been working on battery systems for the ADF for the past few years.

Recently, they created a new form factor which mimics the size and weight (22 kg) of a 5 gallon Jerry Can, providing 24V 2.4 kWh. This means single person lift.

Weatherproof, they can be used alone or connected in serial (up to 10) for higher power requirements. What’s more, they are hot swappable while in serial.

Posted in International, Power, SOF Week | No Comments »